Keelie grunted, but she didn’t pull her hand away. “You brought personal business here, to my school. My colleagues and the kids are going to think we’re dating.” Her cheeks grew pinker, but she lifted her chin, daring me to respond.
“Good.”
“Good?” She blinked rapidly. “Why is thatgood?”
“Because that’s what I want.” I stepped in closer. “I was upset when I couldn’t reach you. Like, really.”
“He was,” Maxim said. “Ow!” He glared and rubbed his ribs where I’d elbowed him.
“I told you before that I wanted to date you, to romance you. Nothing’s changed.” Well, a lot had. I’d had a freak-out, but then when my phone—my only link to Keelie—was gone, I’d understood what I truly wanted:her. To date. For now.
She opened her mouth, but then slammed it shut. Her features softened and a look closer to adulation slid over her face. It caused my heart to race.
“Are you…serious?” she asked. Her tone turned soft, almost shy.
“Yes. I posted a picture of us together to social media.” I showed it to her on my phone.
“Oh.”
“That’s all you have to say?” I asked. “A minute ago, you were full of righteous indignation.”
“But…” Keelie glanced between Maxim and me. “But…you weren’t supposed to want me. Marian said... I’m just…”
“Hot as fuck with that authoritarian vibe and three-button cardigan?” Maxim offered.
Keelie blushed again, and her expression wavered. “I’m sorry. I was mad and defensive.”
“Don’t be,” I said. “I would have been if the situation was reversed.”
“But I kind of accused you…” She dropped her face into her hands. “I feel terrible.”
“Does this mean you forgive me?” I wrapped my fingers around her wrists and gently pulled her arms away from her face.
She swallowed, eyes wide, searching mine. I remained still, quiet. “Y-yes,” she breathed.
“Great,” Maxim said. He clapped me on the shoulder. “Now, you owe me a beer and a meal. And I’m never coming to a school again.”
“You’re leading the Say No to Drugs program next month,” I reminded him.
Maxim stomped toward the door, cursing a blue streak under his breath.
Keelie tucked her hair behind her ear, suddenly shy. “I really am sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I might have wished bad things to happen to you.”
I leaned down, brushing my nose along her cheek. “Would you consider un-wishing them now?”
She blinked those big, beautiful eyes at me. “Yeah.”
Chapter11
Keelie
As I walked out of the school with two huge professional athletes, Cormac dug in his pocket and tossed his keys to Maxim. “I’ll get it from you later.”
He nodded. “Sure. Nice meeting you, Keelie. I expect you to cheer loudest for me when you come to a game.”
